Question

Why some teenagers are forced to engage in risky behaviours by their friends or peers (6)

Answers

GPT-4o mini
Teenagers may engage in risky behaviors due to peer influence for several reasons:

1. **Desire for Acceptance**: Adolescents often seek approval and acceptance from their peers. Engaging in risky behaviors may seem like a way to fit in or be part of a social group.

2. **Social Identity**: Peer groups help shape a teenager's identity. Some may feel pressure to align their actions with those of their friends to reinforce their group identity.

3. **Fear of Rejection**: The fear of being ostracized or ridiculed by peers can push teens into participating in activities they might otherwise avoid.

4. **Curiosity and Experimentation**: Teenagers are naturally curious and may feel encouraged by peers to explore new experiences, even if they are risky.

5. **Lack of Critical Thinking**: Adolescents are still developing their decision-making skills and may not fully grasp the potential consequences of their actions, making them more susceptible to peer pressure.

6. **Media and Cultural Influences**: Exposure to media that glamorizes risky behaviors can influence teenagers to mimic those actions to gain social status or acceptance among their peers.

These factors intertwine and create a strong motivation for teenagers to engage in behaviors that they might not consider on their own.